In the police station's conference room, a facility comparable in size and equipment to the New York base of the Most Wanted Squad, a large screen occupying half the wall lit up, displaying close-up portraits of two middle-aged white men and women.
The man on the left, presumably in his forties or fifties, had a shiny, bald head and
a rather fierce demeanor. His brown beard looked a bit scruffy, with the hair beginning to turn gray at the base. The woman on the right looked younger, but equally unforgiving, her face thick with flesh.
Both possessed classic Southern rednecks, their looks and demeanor fitting the stereotype.
Despite having been Director for two years, Stevenson still acted like the timid, weakling he once was in front of the FBI, especially Jack.
It was all because Jack and Braxton had slaughtered so many people in his home, beating up Kleiner Jr.'s cousin Dawson and veteran Constable Baker in the kitchen and living room, respectively (Chapter 183).
Afterward, Stevenson vomited countless times just trying to clean up the bloody tofu on the floor; the impression was truly profound.
Trying not to overly noticeably shake the laser pointer in his hand, he cleared his throat and began his introduction.
"Teddy and Janice Bodette, a truck driver couple, were found dead last night in their car, in a wasteland beside I-85, at the border of Georgia and Alabama.
The container their truck was towing was opened, and the cargo inside stolen, including tablets purchased by Margrave Township Middle School for summer online classes. This means the children can enjoy their summer vacation happily again."
As a leader after all, Stevenson quickly regained his composure and even cracked a little joke at the end.
"Well, for the sake of the children's summer vacation, this case must be solved as soon as possible." Jubal nodded in agreement, indicating that the FBI had accepted the case.
"Because it's interstate transportation, this theft and murder case is a federal case. Jiejie should contact the DOT (Federal Department of Transportation) and tell them that the case is under the jurisdiction of the FBI."
So Jiejie stood up, picked up her phone and walked out of the meeting room. Jack wanted to think more. He was very curious about this case that happened at the junction of two states. It was not under the jurisdiction of the town of Margrave at all. How did the town police get the case information so quickly?
Stevenson's answer to his question was also very simple. "The transportation company that this couple is affiliated with is in our town. They found us first, hoping to resolve it as soon as possible, so Roscoe thought of you."
"The cargo compensation will be handled by the insurance company. When did the trucking company become so proactive?" Aubrey expressed his incomprehension.
More photos from the scene were displayed on the big screen. Stevenson's expression was difficult to describe. "From the scene, it seems the couple was murdered outside the car, and then their bodies were placed back inside.
Janice was laid flat on the bed in the back. The results of the sexual assault haven't been released yet, but her clothes should have been intact when she was found.
Teddy, on the other hand, was placed in the driver's seat, his hands taped to the steering wheel."
Clay frowned and pointed at a photo of the deceased male. "What's on the dashboard?"
"That's why the trucking company is worried. Those are Teddy's ears. Both of his ears were cut off."
Everyone looked at each other. This typical ritualistic arrangement suggested that the murderer was trying to convey some kind of message.
"What was the cause of death?" Aubrey asked, his interest piqued.
"Janice was shot, and Teddy was stabbed. But according to the on-site report, the forensic team didn't find any bullet casings, so they must have been taken away by the murderer." Stevenson said, distributing the information in his hand to everyone.
Things seemed to be getting interesting. This modus operandi didn't look like the work of a novice.
"What kind of goods were loaded on the truck?" Hannah asked.
"It's mainly electronic products, but they come from different distributors. The town's middle school only purchased a small part of them. The specific list is still waiting for confirmation from the trucking company and will be delivered soon."
Stevenson spread his hands, indicating that this was all the information he had.
"It doesn't sound like a highway robbery. Normal robberies don't move bodies." Aubrey threw out his opinion, starting the discussion.
Clay nodded in agreement. "That couple was both quite large. It wouldn't be easy for a normal adult to move both bodies back to the truck, would it?"
"It looks like they've messed with someone they shouldn't have. Teddy's ear was cut off. Was that a warning? Was it for not listening? Or something else?" Hannah held her chin in her hand, looking thoughtful.
Then it was the experienced agent Jubal who spoke. "That's not surprising. Truckers doing long-distance transport are troublesome people, or the whole industry is like that.
It could be unions versus unions, unions versus gangs, gangs versus gangs. It could all be that."
"But there should be a dashcam on the truck, right?" Jack looked at Alice. After Jiejie returned to the meeting room, the two had already contacted the state police in both states.
"Alabama State Police records show the car's dashcam was turned off in a parking lot 20 miles from the crime scene,"
Alice shrugged. "I have a cousin who drives a large truck. While I don't know much about the industry, I know truckers hate having their bosses track their location in real time, but there's not much they can do about it."
"Sounds like we do," Jack chuckled, a sentiment resonating with the others.
FBI agents were equipped with phones that not only had to be on 24/7 but also recorded their movements in real time. So, not only did Jack find it annoying, but even those without his own challenges found it annoying.
Jack continued his analysis, "And did you notice? The murderer's behavior was somewhat contradictory. Stabbing someone to death was an expression of anger, but since he had a gun at the ready and shot Janice twice, it suggests a premeditated murder. The
murderer also quickly regained his composure and carefully recovered the shell casings, suggesting it was either the same veteran or two people who acted simultaneously."
Jubal clapped his hands and began assigning tasks. "Let's get to work. I suspect the truck was likely hijacked in that parking lot, and the murderer forced the couple to drive to a secluded area before attacking them.
Let's go to the trucking company in town and ask around. Then Jack, Clay, and Aubrey will investigate the two scenes. Jiejie and Hannah will contact the state police and the Teamsters Union to inquire about the couple's situation." I
might take tomorrow off to buy some New Year's goods. Time flies! It's been over two years since I wrote this book.
(End of chapter)